County commission salutes police for enforcing correct use of parking placards [Letter]

November 13, 2013

I am writing on behalf of the Howard County Commission on Disability Issues to thank the Howard County Police Department, in partnership with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, for their efforts to raise public awareness of, and enforce the laws regarding, reserved accessible parking spaces for individuals with a disability.

Accessible parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities who have the required identification card and parking placard or license plate, as issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration. The designated parking spaces may only be used by the persons to whom these ID cards, and placards or plates are issued. Use of accessible parking spaces by others is a violation of the law.

During the most recent "Handicapped Placard Enforcement Detail," the Howard County police and MVA personnel issued nine citations and seized placards being used improperly. Those who misuse disability placards and license plates are doing the entire community a disservice.

We would like to remind the public that people who have disabilities need these parking spaces in order to access and enjoy the benefits of the businesses, services, programs and activities that are available to all.